The IBC Buying Group has announced the appointment of Paul Hetherington MBA FIoD as its new Non-Executive Chairman.

The group hopes that Hetherington’s vast leadership experience and strategic insights can play a pivotal role in driving its mission to deliver growth, value and influence for its members and suppliers, and says that the appointment reflects its ambition to strengthen its position as the UK’s leading buying group for independent builders’ merchants and suppliers.

In his role, Hetherington will focus on expanding member services and enhancing IBC’s offer to meet the evolving needs of its members and supplier partners. The appointment comes only a few weeks after the unexpected departure of the group's Managing Director, Stuart Stockley, who was in place barely a year.

He and the digital team will leverage new technologies to improve operational efficiencies and deliver a seamless experience for members, while building collaborative, long-lasting relationships that create mutual value and growth opportunities. These initiatives align with IBC’s vision to empower members with greater influence in the industry while fostering a stronger, more resilient community of independent merchants. 

Hetherington is a respected leader in the industry, having had a distinguished career in the construction, manufacturing and merchanting industries.  

His experience includes leading prominent businesses in the sector, including Marshall Tufflex, and being Chairman of a successful online merchant. He served as Non-Executive Director for the BRE Group, as well as spending six years as a Non-Executive Director at the Builders’ Merchants Federation, contributing to its transformation into a mass membership body.

He commented: “In my new role as Non-Executive Chairman of IBC Buying Group I am looking forward to working with the team to put our members at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to evolve and meet the needs of an ever-changing industry, I am committed to driving a strategy that truly prioritises our members’ interests and helps to bring them growth and success.”

Vick Patel, CEO of IBC Buying Group and Chairman of Allneeds Group (IBC’s parent company), said: “Following a detailed consultation with our members over the last year on ways we can deliver ever greater value, we are thrilled to have Paul join us as Non-Executive Chairman. His expertise and strategic vision will be instrumental as we drive exceptional value for our members and suppliers.”